Deep Dive #1: Bubbles, Bad Luck, and Brass-Knuckle Wearing Fish!

After months of working behind the scenes, it’s time to break the surface and share the journey of how this world came to be. Building a world like this has been quite a sail, and it's time we share some of that journey with you. This is the first of many deep dives into our development process.

Port of Jumanah is a 2.5D Roguelite that follows Mansour's underwater adventure as he explores the vast ocean in search of profit and, perhaps, a chance at self-improvement. Inspired by the pearl-diving heritage of the Middle East, Mansour is a happy-go-lucky diver who just can't seem to shake off his bad luck. For his visual identity, we stayed true to his roots: he’s designed to look like a real-world pearl diver, equipped with only the most minimal, traditional diving gear. No high-tech suits, just grit and a pair of goggles

Steam post imageSteam post imageEverything changed when Mansour stumbled upon an unusual clam containing even more unusual pearls. Little did he know, this clam acts as a ‘Pandora’s Box,’ turning the ocean into a dangerous place. Now, our accidental hero must embark on a journey to restore peace to the seas.

Get Ready for Fun, Fights, and Fishy Businesses

Since most of the action takes place beneath the waves, we’ve poured our hearts into creating an underwater world that is vibrant, alive, and most importantly, rewarding to explore. We want players to feel that ‘one more dive’ itch! To make every descent feel fresh and unpredictable, we found the roguelite genre to be the perfect vessel for this adventure, ensuring a unique experience every time Mansour hits the water.

Don't expect to see your average school of fish here. In Port of Jumanah, you’ll face ‘mob-level’ enemies. Literally.

It all started with a simple question: "What if Mansour could just punch the heck out of fish to win a fight?"

Since we were already leaning into fantasy, we thought, ‘Why stop there?’ So, we decided to crank the absurdity up to 11 and ran (or should we say, dove😉) with it. Not only do the sea creatures have human-like qualities, but they’ve also learned to arm themselves. You'll encounter aquatic foes wielding everything from brass knuckles to actual firearms.

Steam post imageTo level the playing field, Mansour is going to need a serious arsenal of his own. We realize that Mansour’s weapons aren't exactly ‘standard issue’ for a traditional diver. But to fight the unusual, you need the unconventional.

While you’ll find classic roguelite staples like swords and spears, we wanted you to truly feel the absurdity of the game.

Steam post imageThat’s why Mansour comes prepared with a variety of melee and ranged weapons, designed to defeat pesky underwater foes. We’ve added wilder options like harpoon guns and even, believe it or not, homing “fish” missiles. But the real fun begins when you start stacking power. With various upgrades earned after clearing each dungeon chamber, you can create lethal combinations and synergies to decimate your foes.

Find your flow in battle, whether you prefer brute force or tactical finesse. Dive deep with Mansour and help him restore the ocean he loves to its former glory.

By forging bonds with the people of Jumanah and scouring the ocean depths, Mansour gains access to the tools he needs to survive.

Designing the Port of Jumanah

With heavy inspiration from the Middle East, our goal was to ensure that this vibrant culture is integrated into every layer of the game’s world-building. You’ll see this reflected in our character designs and the bustling architecture of Jumanah City, the hub where Mansour resupplies and plans his next move. But Jumanah isn’t a static world; it evolves alongside Mansour. As you progress through the story and complete missions, you’ll witness the city transform and flourish, growing more prosperous with every journey.

Steam post imageThrough various side missions, you’ll get to know the citizens of Jumanah. Building these relationships is key, as some residents may even join your cause, providing essential support that makes your underwater journey smoother and much more exciting.

Steam post imageSteam post image

And the surface isn't the only place to find help. Mansour might even encounter some unexpected friends deep below the tide. Get ready for an unforgettable underwater adventure!

Steam post imageSet Sail with Us!

We can’t wait for you to dive into Mansour’s world. In the meantime, Wishlist Port of Jumanah!

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Our Official Website: https://portofjumanah.agate.id/presskit

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